BestBuy: HP Pavilion Desktop (AMD Quad-Core A10-570/10GB RAM/1TB Disk) $500. Good?

[benli]

HP Pavilion Desktop Computer featuring AMD Quad-Core A10-5700 Processor $499.99.

2nd Gen AMD Quad-Core A10-5700 and 10GB of RAM
1TB storage capacity
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies
Preloaded Windows 7 Home Premium
USB and memory card connectivity options

The same model with exaxt same features is also listed at $599.99. Not sure if this is a price error. HP Pavilion Desktop Computer featuring AMD Quad-Core A10-5700 Processor $599.99

For $499.99, is this a good choice, for normal home use, like viewing movies, maybe some .NET development work, no gaming. Thanks.

[MkmBandit]

Meh, with pre-builts its not just a matter of spec, but also the quality of parts used. I cringe at the thought of the PSU brand, even without knowing what it is, let alone the rest of the components that make up that rig. It'll do fine, don't expect it to last. And 10gb is far more then you need, loading it up with RAM is a cheap way to boost spec to entice buyers. Don't fall for it..

[e-man]

I'm currently running an HP refurb. I swapped the power supply because I wanted to put in some extra HDDs and a new graphics card. Running over two years now and zero problems.

[DavidY]

I have an older HP/Compaq desktop refurb (3-4+ years old)....has an AMD Athlon X2 64 3800+. It has a Bestec 300 watt PS...AKA "worstec". Here's a review of the PS:

http://hardwareinsights.com/wp/2011/...00-12z-review/

Personally, I would buy a refurb again....it won't likely be a gamer....maybe a casual gamer at best (upgrade the video to HD 6670 or HD 7750 graphics). Most new HP refurbs still have 300 watt PS. Seen some refurbs going for $400 or so...includes a Win7 OS. Tough to build one for that price.

Dave

[benli]

Thank you everyone for your reply. It seems I will hardly use 10GB memory. Perhaps I should find a cheaper one.

Yesterday I saw a laptop HP Intel Core i3-(2330?) with 17-inch monitor, 4GB RAM and 500GB disk selling for $449 at Staples. But it's the last one, i.e. the demo one which has been deonstrated for several months. The store manager offers 3-year store warranty. Is it a god deal?

Or should I buy a refurbished Lenovo 15.6" Intel Core i3-2330M Laptop $319 at Futureshop? Or would you please recommend one? Thanks.

[mr_raider]

The desktop is actually decent for the price. It will be fine for general computing, media playback and light gaming. Don't expect to max out Skyrim though. The A10s are very capable on board GPUs, that trounced Intel's IGPs. Considering the Windows license inlcuded, you will be hard pressed to find a cheaper deal.

[DavidY]

BB shows an Acer tower.

Specs here show an Intel CPU, not an AMD:

P7-1243 specs: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...roduct=5268313

Power appears to be 300 watt....limited to a gaming graphics upgrade of HD 7750 or HD 6670 at best (or change out PS).

P7-1240 specs: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...roduct=5231490

Dave

[wookie]

BB shows an Acer tower.

Specs here show an Intel CPU, not an AMD:

P7-1243 specs: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...roduct=5268313

Power appears to be 300 watt....limited to a gaming graphics upgrade of HD 7750 or HD 6670 at best (or change out PS).

P7-1240 specs: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...roduct=5231490

Dave

yup looks like an error

[mr_raider]

Go in store and check it out. The trinity APUs have only been released a few weeks ago. HP may not have updated their site yet.